‘Gold’ is anything but golden

With the exception of the “Dallas Buyers Club,” I have always enjoyed looking at Academy Award winner Matthew McConaughey.

Unfortunately, he does not look great in this film. He gained 40 pounds for the role and is bald. This is one ugly dude in “Gold.”

I saw an interview with McConaughey where he said he really enjoyed gaining the 40 pounds because he ate and drank anything he could think of, but has lost the poundage since filming ended. I really want to know what he did to lose 40 pounds that fast. He should write up the diet plan and sell it. I am sure he could make more money doing that than he makes as an actor or a car adman.

In “Gold,” Kenny Wells, a prospector desperate for a lucky break, teams up with a similarly eager geologist and sets off on a journey to find gold in the uncharted jungle of Indonesia.

McConaughey stars as Wells. His love interest, Kay, is played by Bryce Dallas Howard of “The Help” and “Jurassic World” fame. It is amazing how different she looks in every role she plays. Edgar Ramirez is Wells’s partner, Michael Acosta. Craig T. Nelson has a small role as Wells’ father. Corey Stoll, Stacy Keach and Bruce Greenwood are the villains.

The film was directed by Academy Award winner Stephen Gaghan, who also directed “Syriana.”

Supposedly, “Gold” was loosely based on true events. The screenplay was written by Patrick Massett and John Zinman.

The big problem with this film is the script, because the protagonist is not someone you like or can identify with. Kenny Wells is a jerk who is screwed by everyone. The movie drags in many spots and jumps back in forth.

I did like the score from “Gold” — I found myself tapping my foot, especially at the beginning of the film.

The cinematography is amazing. Scenes of Indonesia are gorgeous. The film works well as a travelogue for Indonesia but that doesn’t mean you want to spend money going to this movie.

“Gold” is not playing on this side of the river and I wouldn’t bother driving to St. Louis to see it. You will want to wait for it to come out on Redbox or on television.

The Telegraph’s contributing movie/theater critic Mary Cox lives in Wood River, who also reviews local productions such as theater and movies by local filmmakers. Cox studied film at the University of California, Los Angeles, and worked in L.A. with various directors and industry professionals. She can be reached at mlcwriter@charter.net. Visit Mary’s website at www.cinemachatter.com.